As the first book to describe the main varieties of vines present in Québec, this guide is structured with practical and richly illustrated description sheets. In addition, the reader is provided with a framework of morphological observation and description, which allows the identification of major grape varieties that are cultivated in Québec throughout the growing season. This guide will also assist the beginner, as well as the experienced winemaker, in making a choice of varieties depending on cultivation and organoleptic criteria. Finally, whether it is to know the origin and the susceptibility to diseases and pests of some varieties, or to stimulate further thoughts on the grape growing practices adapted to the different grape varieties, this book can provide answers to commercial winegrowers, consultants, nursery workers, as well as amateur winegrowers.

1. Mucro salient red
slightly bent
12mm
18cm
137 g
truncated conical
with wing,
loose compactness
U-shaped
petiolar sinus
concave and convex teeth
lateral sinus
sometimes overlapped
Richard Grenier
Publisher
Gaëlle Dubé
Isabelle Turcotte
agronomists
of Grapevines Grown in a Cold Climate
Identification Guide
Wine grapes

2. www.guideampelo.info
The French version of this project was made possible with the financial assistance of:
Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec
(MAPAQ) through the Programme de soutien à l’innovation horticole (PSIH).
The French version was sponsored by:
Centre de recherche agroalimentaire de Mirabel (CRAM).
Photographs ©
1 Pierre Cadoret 2 Gaëlle Dubé 3 Richard Grenier 4 Isabelle Turcotte 5 Stéphan Paquet
6 Stefano Campagnaro 7 Ginette Laplante 8 Geneviève Legault 9 Jean-François Péloquin
Translation : 2014-07
All rights reserved to the authors and the publisher © 2011
Legal Deposit:
Bibliothèque nationale du Québec, 2014.
Library and Archives Canada 2014.
ISBN : 978-2-9814698-1-6
It is illegal to reproduce this book in whole or in part, by any method,
without the permission of the authors and the publisher.
Identification Guide of Grapevines Grown in a Cold Climate — Wine grapes – 2011

3. This document consists of an initial collec-
tion of information on cultivar identification
and the specific viticultural characteristics
of grape varieties grown in cold climates; more
specifically, those that are found in the province of
Québec.
We propose here an ampelographic description based
on our field observations in recent years. To this end,
we have selected a set of morphological descriptors
that are presented in the form of description sheets.
These descriptors are based on those developed by
the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV)
and those of Pierre Galet, an agronomist recognized
as a specialist in the field of ampelography. We also
developed our own descriptors to gather as much
information as possible about growing these grape
varieties in Québec.
To understand the concept of the descriptors and
cultural characteristics, each of them are defined at
the beginning of this document. These definitions, in
addition to some diagrams and measurement scales,
guide the readers in their own observations, and
describe at the same time the methods we used to
obtain our information. The description sheets are
supplemented by three other sections in the book.
The first part presents some characteristics of the
Vitis species used in the crosses that have produced
the varieties found in Québec (Vitis vinifera, Vitis
labrusca, Vitis riparia, etc.). Knowing the parents of a
grape variety can provide guidance about its expected
performance, including its susceptibility to diseases,
the vine culture, and flavor characteristics of the
variety produced from the parental cross. The second
section presents short biographical notes of some
breeders whose grapes are grown in our climate
with the goal of better understanding the origin of
Québec’s grape varieties. The final part presents
comparative tables and summaries, as well as two
climatic maps of Québec: one illustrating winter
hardiness zones and the other showing summer heat
summation using the growing degree-day index with
a 10 °C base.
In this first inventory of the main grape varieties
grown in Québec, we focused on the Vitis vinifera
varieties that are present in some vineyards, as well
as the semi-hardy varieties requiring winter protection
and the fully cold hardy varieties. The list of grape
varieties has been divided according to either the
quality potential or the extent of the cultivated area of
the variety in Québec (main varieties and secondary
varieties). This list also includes varieties that are
currently being tested on small plantings and which
were judged likely to have a larger role in Québec
vineyards over the next few years.
This guide also aims to be a planning tool for the
establishment of a vineyard by presenting a number
of the cultural and organoleptic characteristics of
the varieties. These characteristics are based on our
observations, combined with other grape growing
professionals in Québec. The information presented
is empirical and reflects the performance of the
vine under average growing conditions. The reader
should be aware that many cultural characteristics
are greatly influenced by specific geographic and
climatic conditions. Thus, the choice of a vineyard
location is of paramount importance.
It is important to keep in mind that the observations,
aswellastheculturalandorganolepticcharacteristics
of the varieties presented in this document, will
be refined over time with additional observations
and experience in future years of cultivation and
winemaking.
Preface V
Identification Guide of Grapevines Grown in a Cold Climate — Wine grapes – 2011

4. IV | About the team
V | Preface
9 | Descriptors defenitions
17 | Schemas: Leaf – Flower – Cluster
Description of the White Grape Varieties
20 | Adalmiina (E.S. 6-16-30)
24 | Cayuga White (NY 33403)
28 | Chardonnay
30 | Delisle (E.S. 7-5-41)
32 | Eona
34 | E.S. 4-23-60
36 | E.S. 10-18-14
38 | E.S. 10-18-30
40 | Frontenac blanc
44 | Frontenac gris (MN 1187)
48 | Geisenheim (GM 318-57)
52 | Hibernal (GM 322-58)
56 | Kay Gray (E.S. 1-63)
58 | La Crescent (MN 1166)
62 | Louise Swenson (E.S. 4-8-33)
66 | Osceola Muscat (E.S. 8-2-43)
70 | Prairie Star (E.S. 3-24-7)
72 | Riesling
74 | Saint-Cliche
76 | St. Pepin (E.S. 282)
80 | Seyval (S.V. 5-276)
84 | Swenson White (E.S. 6-1-43)
88 | Traminette (NY 65.533.13)
90 | Vandal-Cliche (Vandal 84-14)
94 | Vidal (Vidal 256)
Description of the Red Grape Varieties
98 | Baco noir (24-23 Baco)
100 | Baltica
104 | Beta
106 | Chambourcin (J.S. 26.205)
108 | Chancellor (Seibel 7.053)
112 | De Chaunac (Seibel 9.549)
116 | DM 8521-1
120 | Frontenac (MN 1047)
124 | Gamay
126 | Léon Millot (Kuhlmann 194-2)
128 | Lucie Kuhlmann (Kuhlmann 149-1)
132 | Maréchal Foch (Kuhlmann 188-2)
136 | Marquette (MN 1211)
140 | New York Muscat (NY 12997)
142 | Petite Perle (TP 2-1-24)
144 | Pionnier (E.S. 4-7-25)
146 | Radisson (E.S. 5-17)
150 | Sabrevois (E.S. 2-1-9)
154 | St. Croix (E.S. 2-3-21)
158 | Seyval noir (S.V. 5-247)
162 | Skandia (TP 2-1-37)
164 | S.V. 18-307
166 | TP 1-1-12
169 | Other Grape Varieties grown in Québec
Comparative tables
172 | Green shoots
174 | Lower side of the leaf
176 | Clusters
Summary tables and maps
178 | Susceptibility to diseases
180 | Period of bud burst
181 | Plant Hardiness Zones Map
182 | Growing Degree-Days base 10 °C
183 | Growing Degree-Days Map base 10 °C
Vines species description
187 | Introduction
188 | Vitis aestivalis
188 | Vitis berlandieri
189 | Vitis cinerea
189 | Vitis labrusca
190 | Vitis riparia
190 | Vitis rupestris
191 | Vitis vinifera
192 | Genetics summary
Improvement of varieties and breeders
197 | Improvement of varieties
198 | The Breeders
198 | Albert Seibel (S)
198 | Cornell University (NY)
199 | David MacGregor (DM)
199 | Elmer Swenson (E.S.)
200 | Eugène Kuhlmann
200 | François Baco
200 | Geisenheim Grape Breeding Institute (GM)
200 | Jean-Louis Vidal
200 | Joannès Seyve (J.S.)
200 | Joseph O. Vandal
201 | Mario Cliche
201 | Mark Hart (MAVO)
201 | Seyve Villard (S.V.)
202 | Tom Plocher (TP)
202 | University of Minnesota (MN)
Glossary
207 | Glossary of Terms
Bibliography
213 | Works consulted
213 | Webibliography
213 | Works of interest and online sources
215 | Acknowledgements
Table of contents VII
Identification Guide of Grapevines Grown in a Cold Climate — Wine grapes – 2011

5. Frontenac Main red varietiesMN 1047
Shoot tip
Shoot tip closed. The first leaves remain folded in
U. Glabrous to cobwebby hairs on veins and shoots.
Few pearl glands.
Green shoots
Elongated appearance. Large lightly coppery areas.
Red stripe. Cobwebby hairs.
Inflorescence
Extremity of the inflorescence with few red flower
caps. Cobwebby hairs on the rachis.
Young leaves
First leaves remain folded in U. Large lightly
coppery areas. Cobwebby hairs.
120
Identification Guide of Grapevines Grown in a Cold Climate — Wine grapes – 2011
3
2
2
1

6. FrontenacMain red varieties MN 1047
Susceptibility to diseases
Anthracnose: ++ Powdery mildew: + Excoriose: n.a.
Downy mildew: tolerant Grey rot: + Black rot: +++
Rot brenner: ++
Culture in Québec
Private network trials since 1998. Established in Québec in 2001.
Wood internodes
medium
Shoot tip
closed
Yield
8 T/ha (σ = 3)
Zone – Degree-days
3b – 1250 GDDs (10 °C)
Growth habit
semi-erect
Time of bud burst
semi-early
Vigour
very high
Growth habit remarks
Easy trellising.
Diseases and insects remarks
Powdery mildew mainly on leaf. During rainy autumn, pay attention to the development of gray rot. Susceptible
to foliar phylloxera. Copper can be slightly phytotoxic to berries. Sensitive to magnesium deficiency.
Shoot remarks
Red upper side and green lower side with red streaks.
Woody cane remarks
Brown canes with some deep reddish-brown streaks.
Establishment zone remarks
Does well on good sites in zone 5. Ripens a bit late for zone 4. Grows in most types of soils.
Cross
Landot (L.4511) X Vitis riparia 89
Cross remarks
Bred in 1978 by Jim Luby at the University of Minnesota. Selected in 1983 by Peter Hemstad. Patented in 1995.
Cold damage
8
Establishment speed
rapid
Berry sugar level
24 Brix
Fertility
high
Genetics
V. vinifera 25,4 % V. rupestris 10,2 % V. riparia 50,4 % V. labrusca 2,3 %
V. cinerea 0 % V. berlandieri 7,8 % V. aestivalis 2,3 % Open poll. 0 %
121
Identification Guide of Grapevines Grown in a Cold Climate — Wine grapes – 2011

7. Frontenac Main red varietiesMN 1047
Upper side of leaf
Pentagonal, sometimes kidney-shaped, 3 lobes.
Thin and shiny leaf blade. Straight teeth. Petiolar
point red. U-shaped petiolar sinus, very open to
open and sometimes bare.
Lower side of leaf
Glabrous leaf blade. Veins and petiole with erect
hairs. Red petiole.
Flowering
Hermaphrodite. Beige anthers. Filaments rather
long. Long style. Cobwebby hairs on the rachis.
Cluster
Truncated conical, sometimes with wing, loose to
medium compactness. Large length. Red rachis.
Purplish-blue berries, spherical, medium small size.
White and pointy stylar scar.
122
Identification Guide of Grapevines Grown in a Cold Climate — Wine grapes – 2011
1
1
1
1
1

8. FrontenacMain red varieties MN 1047
Organoleptic characteristics
Versatile variety. When harvested at full maturity, it
gives a complex and full-bodied wine with black cherry,
blackberry, plum, chocolate and coffee aromas, but lacks
tannin. Strawberry predominant flavor in rosés. High
acidity and sugar levels. Harvest date should be based on
the acidity of the berries even if the alcoholic potential
is high. The acidity may decrease with the age of the
plants. Tolerates the use of barrels or wood chips. Low
juice yield.
General remarks
Currently the best producer in quantity, in
Québec. Good yield from the 3rd year. The
high buds fertility gives this vine the capacity
to produce a good harvest even after a spring
frost. Buds of the old wood are fertile. Balance
the vegetative and reproductive phase in order
to avoid the development of branch with a too
large diameter. A bit sensitive to early fall frosts.
The propagation of Frontenac is managed by
the Minnesota Nursery Research Corporation
(Source: http://www.grapes.umn.edu/
Licensing/index.htm)
Berry size – shape
med. small – spherical
Cluster length – shape
large – truncated conical
Cluster weight
138 g (σ = 55)
Cluster compactness
loose to medium
Cluster remarks
Sometimes with wing. Red rachis.
Berry remarks
Purplish-blue berries. White and pointy stylar scar. Thin skin. Tends to
desiccate during maturation. Weight ~ 1,3 g.
Types of wines
Red — Rosé — Fortified — Late harvest
Lower side of leaf hairs
Glabrous leaf blade. Veins and petiole with a few erect hairs.
Upper side of leaf – shape
pentagonal – 3 lobes
Petiolar sinus shape
U-shaped
Upper side of leaf profil
V-shaped
Petiolar sinus opening
very open to open
Dentation length – shape
medium to long – straight
Upper side of leaf remarks
Sometimes kidney-shaped. Thin and shiny leaf blade. Petiolar point red.
Lower side of leaf remarks
Red petiole.
Sinus remarks
Petiolar sinus sometimes bare.
123
Identification Guide of Grapevines Grown in a Cold Climate — Wine grapes – 2011

9. Identification Guide of Grapevines Grown in a Cold Climate — Wine grapes – 2011
176
Comparative table
Clusters
Saint-Cliche
p. 74
E.S. 10-18-14
p. 36
Riesling
p. 72
Traminette
p. 88
E.S. 10-18-30
p. 38
Cayuga White
p. 24
St. Pepin
p. 76
Vandal-Cliche
p. 90
Kay Gray
p. 56
Chardonnay
p. 28
E.S. 4-23-60
p. 34
Osceola Muscat
p. 66
Geisenheim
p. 48
Vidal
p. 94
Louise Swenson
p. 62
Swenson White
p. 84
Adalmiina
p. 20
Prairie Star
p. 70
Hiberbal
p. 52
Seyval
p. 80
Frontenac blanc
p. 40
La Crescent
p. 58
Delisle
p. 30
Classification
The distribution of clusters
is made according to the
color (green-yellow to
dark purplish-blue).

10. Identification Guide of Grapevines Grown in a Cold Climate — Wine grapes – 2011
177
Comparative table
Clusters
Baltica
p. 100
Frontenac
p. 120
De Chaunac
p. 112
Sabrevois
p. 150
St. Croix
p. 154
Marquette
p. 136
Baco noir
p. 98
Beta
p. 104
Chancellor
p. 108
Petite Perle
p. 142
Pionnier
p. 144
Chambourcin
p. 106
Gamay
p. 124
Léon Millot
p. 126
Lucie Kuhlmann
p. 128
Maréchal Foch
p. 132
Seyval noir
p. 158
S.V. 18-307
p. 164
TP 1-1-12
p. 166
Skandia
p. 162
Eona
p. 32
Frontenac gris
p. 44
New York Muscat
p. 140
DM 8521-1
p. 116
Radisson
p. 146

11. Identification Guide of Grapevines Grown in a Cold Climate — Wine grapes – 2011
The vineyards, listed below, contributed greatly to the collection of the data,
photographs, measurements, and validation for the content of this guide.
Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAC) – Research
Station Frelighsburg
Bernard Gagné
Centre de Recherche Agroalimentaire de Mirabel (CRAM)
Château Fontaine
Coin de France
Coteau St-Paul – Vignoble et cidrerie
Domaine Bel-Chas
Domaine Bergeville
Domaine De Lavoie
Domaine des Côtes d’Ardoise
Domaine des Météores
Domaine du Clos de l’Isle
Domaine Mont Vézeau
Domaine Royarnois
La Charloise
Mario Cliche
Martin Dandenault
Verger et Vignoble Casa Breton
Vignoble Carone
Vignoble Côte de Plaisance
Vignoble Couchepagane
Vignoble de la Côte St-Charles
Vignoble des Négondos
Vignoble Domaine de la Côte Mont-Rigaud
Vignoble Gagliano
Vignoble La Bauge
Vignoble La Petite paysanne
Vignoble Le chat botté
Vignoble Le Nordet
Vignoble Le Royer St-Pierre
Vignoble Les Artisans du terroir
Vignoble Les Pervenches
Vignoble Les Petits Cailloux
Vignoble Les Trois Clochers
Vignoble Rivière du Chêne
Vignoble Sainte-Pétronille
Viticulture A & M
Revision Team
Lilly Boulianne, proofreading for English translation
Alain Breault, nurseryman and winegrower
Annie Lefebvre, plant pathology technician (HRDC)
Gilles Benoit, winegrower and winemaker
Ginette Laplante, agri-food technologist
Jean-François Péloquin, agronomist
Larbi Zerouala, agronomist, MAPAQ
Simon Naud, winegrower
Stefano Campagnaro, ecology tech., CRAM
A special thanks for the following collaborators
K. Helen Fisher, Ph.D.
English ampelographic terminologies
Mark Hart, English ampelographic terminologies
Alain Breault, nurseryman and winegrower
Gilles Benoit, winegrower and winemaker
David Cotineau, winemaker
Jérémie d’Hauteville, œnologist, agronomist
Richard Bastien, œnologist
They have supported our project in the program PSIH (MAPAQ)
Association des Vignerons du Québec inc. Vignerons Indépendants du Québec
The heart of this production
Gaëlle Dubé, agronomist:
Project management, writing, content management,
ampelographic descriptions, photos selection, research,
measurements, and photographs.
Isabelle Turcotte, agronomist:
Project management, writing, ampelographic
descriptions, research, measurements, and photographs.
Pierre Cadoret:
Photographs, photo editing. pcadoret2007@hotmail.com
Richard Grenier, publisher:
Photographs, measurements, proofreading,
writing, graphics, computer graphics,
illustrations ©, photo editing, publishing,
and printing management.
Stéphan Paquet:
Development of an XML database linked to
a page layout. Photographs, Internet advisor.
stephanpaquet@gmail.com
215Acknowledgements